What is Cornhole? The Game Taking the Country by Storm

Cornhole (also known as beanbag toss) is a game where players alternate throwing 8 cornhole bags, (bean bags) at a set of 4 foot by 2 foot, rectangular wooden platforms, with a 6-inch diameter hole cut in the end of each board. A bean bag is thrown from a designated area, and if it comes to rest on the board it is worth 1 point, and if a bag is thrown in the hole it is worth 3 points. There are a couple different variations of scoring but ultimately the first player or team to score 21 points is declared the winner. It is generally played on the grass and can be played with two players going head-to-head, or with 4 players with two teams of two players. For Regulation Cornhole Rules click here, and for Regulation Cornhole Equipment click here.

Cornhole History

Cornhole originated from a game similar to horseshoes by a gentleman by the name of Heyliger de Windt. He wanted to make an indoor game so he substituted a metal spike for a wooden board, and the metal rings for bean bags. He sold the patent to an American toy company who called the game “Faba Baga,” which didn’t really take off. It was a variation of what cornhole is today with a different board, extra holes and a different point systems.

Chicago was the first place to start making the game of cornhole popular, with a similar game they called “bags”. “Bags” slowly grew in the Illinois area throughout the 1970s and expanded into Indiana by the 1980s.

Today the game of cornhole or bean bag toss can be seen worldwide, being played for leisure and in competition. Even starting in the early 2010s, ESPN starting airing the national championship of cornhole showing its growth. It is also very popular with students at colleges and universities, as well as being a staple game with tailgaters at sporting events.

Variations of Cornhole

There are many spin-off games that are similar to cornhole but have small differences. There are numerous knock-off names that showcase smaller boards and bean bags, along with extra holes cut and different scoring systems. These games are entertaining for children to play and learn on, but should not be a replacement for the real cornhole game that follows the ACA’s (American Cornhole Association) proper cornhole rules and regulations.

Go Play Cornhole!

The best way to understand what cornhole is all about, is to simply get out and experience it. It’s growing popularity is making it a staple at all out door events, and is a necessity for backyards and camping. It is a simple and easy-to-learn game, but can also be extremely technical and full of strategy if perfected. I encourage everybody of all ages to try playing cornhole, and I am certain you will get endless hours of laughs and entertainment with all of your friends and family.

If you have and questions please leave them below, and I will be happy to help you out.